WORLD CUP 2010: West Ham star Scott Parker stakes his England claim

11 May 2010 10:50

Scott Parker insists he can fill the hole in the England squad left by injury to Gareth Barry.

Manchester City midfielder Barry looks set to miss the tournament after sustaining serious ankle ligament damage against Tottenham and his West Ham counterpart Parker is ready to step up.

Parker has been the shining light in a disappointing season for the Hammers as they narrowly avoided relegation and sacked manager Gianfranco Zola just two days after the final game.

Man in the middle: Parker reckons he could do a job for England in South Africa

Manchester United's Owen Hargreaves has been touted for an international return after a long injury absence while many observers reckon Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone should be rewarded for an impressive campaign.

And as England manager Fabio Capello prepares to name his 30-man provisional squad for South Africa, Parker said: 'It would be the ultimate way for me to finish the season if I was to be called into the England squad.

'It is every player's dream to be involved at the World Cup. It is the pinnacle of your career.

Bad timing: Barry in agony during City's penultimate game of the season

'If you would have asked me two weeks ago if I expected to be in the squad I would have probably had a different answer, but Gareth is struggling with his injury so it makes my chances a bit better.'

Parker last represented his country when England lost in Croatia in 2006.

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